1978-84 Football Teams' support Newsletter
Following the recent reunion celebrations enjoyed by Fethard GAA senior football teams of 1978 and 1984, a sum of €95 was left after all bills were paid. This money was collected from the past-players involved and they now have donated this balance to Fethard & Killusty Emigrant's Newsletter, to help meet the costs of production and posting the Newsletter free of charge to almost 1,000 emigrants from the parish.

Christmas Bazaar a great success

Helping at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Peg O'Reilly, Kitty O'Sullivan, Margaret Thompson and Noel Coffey

Fethard & District Day Care Centre held their Annual Christmas Bazaar on Thursday November 24, in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre. The bazaar is the centre's major fundraising event each year a lot of hard work is required in the preparation to make it as successful as possible.

The clients of the centre work hard during the year making beautiful craft pieces for sale on the day, these include Christmas and birthday cards, tea cosies, slippers, baby clothes and blankets. Refreshments were also served at the Bazaar and a great time was had by all those who attended. During the year the centre also holds a bric-a-brac sale and cake sale, which are both very popular.


Helping at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Des Martin, Mary Danagher and Eileen Ryan

Each year, in conjunction with the Bazaar, the committee hold a monster raffle and this year had 39 prizes, a testament to the goodness of all their sponsors. The first ten prize winners are as follows: 1st James Roche (Hamper), 2nd Joan O'Donohoe (Hamper), 3rd Nellie Ryan (Painting), 4th Mary Fanning (Framed Picture), 5th Kitty Delany (Beauty Hamper), 6th Jimmy Mullins (Fruit Hamper), 7th Mary Fitzgerald (Voucher), 8th Kathy Aylward (Voucher), 9th Esther Leahy (Voucher), and 10th Nell Broderick (Voucher).


Chloe Power with her son Dion Power at the Christmas Bazaar

The Fethard & District Day Care Centre would like to say a huge thank you to the staff, volunteers, clients of the centre for all the hard work that was put in to make the day such a huge success, also a big thank you to all the businesses who very generously sponsored the numerous prizes. We would also like to thank Tipp FM for promoting the event in their 'community diary'. A very Happy Christmas to all.


Helping at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Mary Maher, Thelma Griffith and Maura Meagher.


Photographed at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Joan Heffernan, Pauline Morrissey and Molly Cleary


Helping at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Kate Delahunty and Nicole McKenna


Photographed at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: twins Eileen Gleeson and Joan Gleeson


Photographed at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Margaret Thompson, Ann Marie Needham and Eileen Ryan.


Photographed at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Ann Marie Needham, Maggie Sayers and Geraldine McCarthy


Photographed at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Eileen Gleeson and Tony McGarry

St. Vincent De Paul Society going since 1895
The annual collection for the society of St. Vincent De Paul will take place in Fethard and Killusty on the coming weekend, December 3rd and 4th. The recession has made life more difficult. The cost of food, clothing, education, transport, fuel etc. has risen in price. With less income, cut backs and higher taxes people are finding it difficult to pay bills and stay out of debt. Unemployment, less income and debt is also putting a strain on family relationships.

Our service is confidential and non-judgemental. When we visit it may be with financial help but it may also be with budgeting/household advice, information on entitlements or a listening ear for the lonely or depressed.

The society was first set up in Fethard on October 6, 1895. Since then the donations of people have enabled the society to help the needy people of our area. We ask you to think of us again this Christmas and to contribute whatever you can. We thank you for your help and support in the past and hope you have a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Talk on the Town Hall

An illustrated lecture on the origin and significance of Fethard's Town Hall will take place next Monday, December 5, at 8pm in the Abymill Theatre. The lecture is being hosted by the Fethard Historical Society and is a further input into the whole discussion that is taking place at present as to the future use of this 400-year-old building.

South Tipperary County Council has commissioned a detailed condition study of the building itself and in conjunction with the Community Council, other local organisations and individuals it is hoped that a sustainable and vibrant use can be found for the building in the near future.

To date, the council have been working very closely with the newly established Business and Tourism Group (set up by the Community Council) and the 'Pop Up Café' experiment held in the youth centre during the summer was all part of the process of demonstrating a need for a 'Focal Point / Visitor / Civic Centre for the town. All agree that the Town Hall - backing as it does onto Holy Trinity Church (c.1200) and the Town Wall – is the ideal building and the ideal location for such a centre.

The talk on Monday night will be given by Barry O'Reilly, an Architectural Historian who is a long-time resident of Moyglass. In 2007, Barry was joint editor and survey controller for the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage for South Tipperary so he is ideally placed to inform us of the very latest research as to the origin of the building and the many changes, in structure and function, that have taken place since it was first built in 1600.

Barry O'Reilly is professionally employed by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and thus he is equally well informed as to the processes and procedures that will have to be negotiated in adapting the Town Hall to suit its new 21st century function.

The lecture and discussion is a free event, open to all, as the Fethard Historical Society wish to encourage as many citizens as possible to get informed on the issue and thus be in a position to join in on the debate as to the future use of this nationally important building.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on November 23, were: 18, 21, 22 and 25. We had no Jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Frankie Mullins, c/o Arthur Daly, Fethard.

The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Liz Hunt, Lisronagh; Seamus Doherty, Clonmel; and Bridget Ryan, Loughcopple, Fethard.

There will be extra draws for Christmas turkeys and hams on December 7, 14 and 21. Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers. Next week's Jackpot commences at €6,650 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €665. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard ICA
Fethard ICA next guild meeting takes place on Thursday, December 1, in the ICA Hall at 1pm. We begin with Mass which will be offered for all past and present members. 'Go For Life' tutor Margaret O'Keeffe will attend the meeting and show us some keep-fit exercises. Catering on the day by the 'Green Group'.

Ladies Football

The Fethard U16B Ladies who played superbly all year to reach the County Final against Aherlow. Pictured Back L to R: Sophie Meehan, Aine Phelan, Aobh O'Shea, Aine Proudfoot, Karen Hayes, Amiee Pollard, Ellen Walsh, Ciara Tillyer, Lucy Butler, Hannah Stapleton, Cliodhna O'Connor, Lorna Walsh, Niamh Shanahan and Annie Prout. Front L to R: Ruby Kennedy, Kiya Bourke, Katie Butler, Jessie McCarthy, Emma Walsh, Kate Davey, Jesse Ryan, Nell Trehy and Roisin O'Regan.

Fethard Macra News
Fethard Macra will have a senior debating team taking part in Rathkeevan on December 9. Anyone interested in supporting should go along on the night.

A charity table quiz and auction will take place in Barne Lodge, Rathkeevan, Clonmel on December 16, in aid of Oxfam. There is also a comedy night being run in Lar Corbett's bar, Thurles town centre on December 9, in aid of the same charity. Both events are being organised by our own club member, Laurann O'Reilly. She can be contacted on lauranndeniseoreilly@gmail.com

Here in Fethard we are currently on a 'recruitment' drive and are actively canvassing new members for the club, so if you are in the area and think you might be interested why not come along to our next meeting or take part in one of the many group activities in the Macra year. The next meeting is Sunday, December 11, at 8pm in Butlers Bar, Fethard.

Hunting News
From Ballinure on Monday, November 14, drawing the 'Scort', hounds hunted well around the covert with a few excursions out towards Kill Hills and returning to covert. Finding again in the Washbrook Glen near Thornton's hunting was something of the same. Moving on then to Lalor's. This famed covert from which some good hunts have been recorded over the years, back to the days of Darby Scully and beyond has now been somewhat of a huntsman's nightmare. Easy to get hounds into but not quite so easy to get hounds or Charlie James out of. Now a vast area of almost impenetrable cover following a good burst of hound music hounds divided. The main lot did hunt down to Silverfort House up to the forest of evergreens on top some hunting on to Kilbraghhenebry Graveyard near Dualla.

Poulmucka on Wednesday proved a nice circle and to ground from Minogue's. From the Decoy Bog, incidentally no longer a bog but lush green fields, a good run was had towards the Lavally Road and right handed to Cian Ryan's where he got to ground. Moving on to Donegal they found at the entrance to Casey's, ran left handed to above Donegal Covert and to ground. A fox at Breen's was quickly caught and the day finished with a short hand circuit at Claire Ryan's.

Full credit to the hardy field who turned out in the atrocious weather conditions in Drangan on Thursday. Weather or not hounds hunted very well on the day. Hounds can only hunt the fox for the distance he travels be it three fields or three miles. On Knockuragh they hunted over the hill to Pat Hackett's. Their fox was just ahead when viewed at Pat Hackett's when they suddenly lost him. Pat reckons he got to ground in a nearby lot of bales. From Whiteland's Cross they hunted across the Lismoynan Road and were running strong towards Magoury when he got to ground. Phelan's proved blank as did the Glen at Lismoynan and some thick hedgerows in Shanakyle. Home was blown early as conditions deteriorated as evening approached. Finding in Ballinard Wood from Cloneen on Saturday, November 19, hounds gave an exhibition of wood hunting at its best.

"The forest music is to hear the hounds rend the thin air with a lusty cry. Awake the lust echoes and confound their perfect language in a mingled choir".

Well, the Tipperary bitch pack certainly rent the air with a great cry for forty-five minutes on Saturday on a fox that could just not be persuaded to leave, eventually putting him to ground. From Carroll's the direct opposite applied. Hounds were no sooner entered at the Farranshea end when they were away at the Friarsgrange end. Down to Ballinard Wood they swung left-handed just short of the woods. Literally flying here they crossed the Rathkenny Road near Harrington's down to McEniry's they ran up the valley past John O'Flynn's where turning again left they ran over the hill past Knockelly Castle to the big cover by Ginny Hutton's where home was blown at 4pm.

Foxes were in good supply from St. Johnstown on Wednesday November 23. Drawing up from Saucestown to St. Johnstown Castle no less than two-and-half brace were on foot at one stage. Too many cooks spoil the broth, so they say, well too many foxes are not the best for hunting. Hounds hunted from Coolbawn Cross through Mortlestown to Rathmoley. From Crosscannon they hunted back through Kennedys where they were stopped. The shortened days prevailing these few weeks curtail afternoon activities somewhat.

With the White Heathers
Foxes in very short supply coupled with very poor scent was the order of the day from the Ballylusky White Heathers meet at Loughcopple. They did find in Morgan's and had a short run to the Blackthorn's where they lost him. Drawing a big area of Annesfort and its surrounds blank they did eventually find again in the railway line in Shanballyard.
They hunted from here to Monroe and back again towards Fortwilliam where scent just faded. Quinlan's Glen almost always a sure find was also blank as was the small covert near the house. The ivy on the old Church ruins in the graveyard did hold. Now almost 4.30 and getting quite dark scent had almost completely faded and little could be achieved. Credit to Donie and the whippers-in who walked non-stop from 11am. That is hunting.

They will be back inaction again on Sunday next, their sheer love of the sport keeping them going on good and not so good days. The Ballylusky White Heather Harriers will meet on Sunday next, December 4, Clonacody; a Lawn Meet at Fethard Rectory on Sunday December 11; and at Rocklow on December 18. All meets 11am.

Fethard Rugby Club
On Sunday morning last, Fethard U13 team travelled to Dungarvan. It was a great morning for a match and Fethard started slowly but quickly got into a good rhythm with tries from Jack Grace, Jack Dolan, Mark Heffernan and Jack Hayes. Josef O'Connor adding a conversion leaving Fethard in front by 15 at the end. There is a lot of work to be done in training on Friday.

Our U17s played at home against Clanwilliam. After a good start from the team Paul Butler put the first points on the board with a penalty. This was followed shortly by a great break from Adam O'Connell to score a try and Paul Butler to convert.

Our forwards put in great work to keep a stronger Clanwilliam team out. Ger Gorey, with the help of Liam O'Brien, Cathal Meagher, Tomas MacGowan and Adam Keeley, scored a try and Paul followed through with yet another conversion. Clanwilliam rallied scoring two tries before half time.

The second half started out with Clanwilliam still dictating the pace but great defensive work from Cian O'Connell, Willie Ryan, Willie Morgan and Tadhg Fogarty kept Fethard in the game. Clanwilliam took the lead but the boys battled on Cathal, Kyle, James and Keith doing valiant work for the team. Fethard brought on fresh legs, Kieran White, David Morgan, Denis Fogarty and Joey Purtill, which gave them the lift they needed.

In the dying minutes of the match Adam Fitzgerald broke away down the wing and scored a great try leaving Fethard 3 points ahead. Great to have Shane back from injury and helping to close out the game. Another great effort from the team. Training will now start from 7.30pm to 9.30pm every Friday night.

Missing dog
Red female Dachshund. Missing from the Red City area since Sunday. Very gentle and friendly dog, answers to "Penny". If found please contact Ruth on 086 8432809.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday 29th November of Mr Pat Mullins. Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Parlour from 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, 1st December, followed by removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard.

Requiem Mass at 11am on Friday followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, Fethard.

Open Evening 2011
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School will hold their annual 'Open Evening' in the school on this coming Monday, December 5, from 7pm to 8pm. All 5th and 6th Class pupils with their parents are invited to attend this event.


Pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School preparing for their 'Open Evening' which will be held on Monday 5th December from 7pm to 8pm.

Annual Emigrant's Newsletter Donations
Work on the production of this year's Annual Emigrant's Newsletter has now commenced. We invite anyone interested in submitting articles or photographs for this year's issue to contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Tel: 052 6131663 or by email: newsletter@fethard.com

Club secretaries are asked to submit their annual reports and photographs now.

If you would like to make a donation towards this years issue, you can do so securely online here MAKE A DONATION All donations over €10 will be acknowledged in this year's Newsletter.